When the power goes out many items may be hard to find in stores (batteries, flashlights, portable heaters, etc.) Power outages can create dangerous situations, but those dangers are avoidable if you know what to do Disasters change things in ways we can’t always predict, but taking steps now can keep you safer and more comfortable than you would be otherwise

Acquire and learn how to safely use a portable generator Have flashlights ready in an easily accessible place, and check batteries in flashlights and radios Create a power outage plan—decide what you can do before, during and after a power outage to minimize the effect on your household

Can be permanently installed (stand-by) or portable May be wired through a transfer switch in your house or run using extension cords May run on gasoline, propane, natural gas, solar or may even be hand cranked Small portable generators are available starting around $100. Portable generators can be heavy. Choose a generator that you are able to move yourself if necessary. Some generators come with optional wheels. Practice starting the generator so you’re comfortable using it when the time comes.

Always use the right size extension cords with a generator If you are using a stand-by generator, have it installed by a licensed electrician Incorrectly installed generators can overload your house, damaging circuits or causing a fire They can also feed electricity back into electrical lines, re-energizing power lines Always use the right size extension cords with a generator NEVER run a generator inside any building unless it is professionally installed and vented Generators that are professionally installed in sheds and other buildings are generally safe because they are properly vented, but in a storm, vents and chimneys can be blocked by debris. If you have a professionally installed and vented generator, check it periodically to make sure it is still able to vent properly.

Flashlights and battery powered lanterns: Safe Long-lasting Reusable Flexible (many sizes and uses) If you have light in an emergency it makes everything else easier. Having a flashlight and batteries is probably the easiest and one of the most important steps you can take in getting ready for emergencies. Mention that although candles are another option, flashlights are safer. Candles may catch curtains or clothing on fire and may be knocked over by children or pets. It’s also easy to become distracted during an emergency and candles could be left burning unattended. Candles are best used in less stressful times. For parents: Giving kids flashlights can give them a feeling of control during an emergency. Suggest letting kids pick out a flashlight for the emergency kit and putting their name on it. That involves them in planning and will keep reduce stress in an emergency. Candles can be used as well, but flashlights are safer, especially around children or pets.

Keep a supply of batteries for all your devices Store batteries in their packaging Most unused batteries will last for 5 to 10 years stored at room temperature Rechargeable batteries will only hold a charge for about a year if not used Rechargeable flashlights can be kept plugged in until needed (and won’t need batteries) If a battery starts to leak it can corrode the other batteries it is stored near. Keeping them in the packaging limits the damage a leaking battery can do. If you use rechargeable batteries, keep a schedule and recharge them once a year if not used.

Install a thermometer in your refrigerator and freezer. If you have an electric garage door opener, learn how to use the manual release and open your door manually. If you have use special healthcare equipment like oxygen or dialysis equipment, notify your power company. Most power companies keep a registry of people who are medically dependent on power to help them prioritize restoration. They may need to provide a letter from their doctor verifying that their health depends on equipment that uses electricity. Being on a registry doesn’t guarantee that the power will come back on quickly. People who are medically dependent on electricity should have a plan for what to do if the power is out for an extended period of time.

Program it into cell phones Write down the number your power company provides for reporting outages Program it into cell phones If you have a smart phone, see if your power company has an outage app, download it and find out how to use it If they don’t have an app, bookmark the page where they have power outage information on your phone’s browser We talked in September about how important it is to have information. When the power goes out, you need to know how long it is expected to be out. If it will only be a few minutes or a few hours, you may respond differently than if you find out it could be a few days. Be aware that cell phone towers also need electricity to run. Some will have backup generators, but may lose power after a few days. In a long term power outage, phone companies sometimes bring in portable cell towers to restore service. Remind them that in September we also talked about having a car charger for their cell phones. That’s an important back up to have in a power outage.

Fill empty space in your freezer with containers of water Make sure your gas tank is full Make sure phones and other battery powered devices are charged When an event like a hurricane or a strong wind storm is expected, think about taking these extra steps Frozen water will keep food colder longer than the cold air in a freezer that isn’t full. Don’t fill the containers completely with water. Leave room for the water to expand as it freezes. When a storm is forecasted, everyone else is going to want to fill their gas tank and stock up on batteries too. If possible, never let your gas tank get below half full, even if only during storm season (summer in the south, winter in the north) Keep batteries and other supplies stocked up year round

Report the outage to your power company Unplug appliances and electronics Don’t open refrigerators any more than necessary Use a battery powered radio to stay informed If you have a smart phone, check your power company’s app or website for updates Unless you’re sure they already know, report the outage to your power company Power can surge when it comes back on and damage appliances and electronics Unopened refrigerators will stay cold for about 4 hours, unopened freezers will keep food frozen for about 24 hours

Don’t use a gas oven to heat your house Never run a generator, grill, or camp stove indoors—even in the garage, even with the door open Never use a portable heater indoors unless it is clearly marked for indoor use Don’t use a gas oven to heat your house Install a battery powered CO detector 400 people die from carbon monoxide poisoning in the US every year. Nearly all of those deaths could be avoided if people knew—and took seriously—what you’re learning right now. Generators that are professionally installed in sheds and other buildings are generally safe because they are properly vented, but in a storm vents and chimneys can be blocked by debris. If you have a professionally installed and vented generator, check it periodically to make sure it is still able to vent properly. Remember that carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless. You won’t know it’s there until you start to have symptoms (headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, chest pain and confusion). By then it might be too late.

Routine care clinics (doctors, dialysis centers, etc.) Gas stations Banks and ATM machines Grocery stores Pharmacies Routine care clinics (doctors, dialysis centers, etc.) Schools and day care centers Have the group brainstorm services that might not be available in a disaster before you reveal the list. Talk about what they might do if these services weren’t available. If anyone has a loved one that uses in-home healthcare or needs regular treatment, like dialysis, talk about options. Options could include: Talking to their service provider about a plan for an extended power outage Purchasing a generator for medical equipment (if it’s portable make sure they are able to use it beforehand) Have a plan for them to stay with friends or family if the power goes out

When in doubt, throw it out! If the refrigerator temperature is more than 40°F for more than two hours, discard meat, eggs, dairy, and other perishable items When in doubt, throw it out! Make sure to discard food where animals can’t get into it. Items like mustard, ketchup and margarine should be okay if the power wasn’t out for a long time, but if you have any doubt—throw it out.

Always assume that downed lines are dangerous Stay at least 25 feet (a bus-length) away from a downed powerline Stay away from anything a powerline is touching, especially water or metal fences Never try to move a downed powerline Never drive over a downed powerline Remind them of the importance of teaching kids these rules

Find out what you should include in an emergency supply kit for home and other places you spend time Be financially secure in a disaster or emergency

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